Retrograde urethrogram
Encyclopedia
A retrograde urethrogram is a routine radiologic
procedure (most typically in males) used to image the integrity of the urethra
.
Hence a retrograde urethrogram is essential for diagnosis of urethral injury, or urethral stricture
.
It is used when there is suspicion of urethral trauma, such as a history of trauma to the area followed by pain, inability to void urine, or the presence of blood at the urethral meatus, a scrotal hematoma, free-floating prostate on rectal examination.
If a urethral injury is suspected, a retrograde urethrogram should be performed before attempting to place a Foley catheter. If there is a urethral disruption, a suprapubic catheter should be placed.
Leakage of the dye at any point between the bladder
and tip of the penis suggests urethral injury (usually secondary to pelvic trauma) and is an indication for surgical intervention.
Radiology
Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body. Radiologists use an array of imaging technologies to diagnose or treat diseases...
procedure (most typically in males) used to image the integrity of the urethra
Urethra
In anatomy, the urethra is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals for the removal of fluids out of the body. In males, the urethra travels through the penis, and carries semen as well as urine...
.
Hence a retrograde urethrogram is essential for diagnosis of urethral injury, or urethral stricture
Urethral stricture
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by injury or disease such as urinary tract infections or other forms of urethritis.-Signs and symptoms:...
.
Process
The procedure involves the insertion of a Foley catheter into the distal urethra and minimally inflating it. This is followed by instillation of 30mL of water soluble contrast and a plain radiograph is obtained. No attempt at insertion of a bladder catheter should be made in case of suspected urethral injury, until a negative retrograde urethrogram is obtained eg., no spillage of the contrast dye seen on radiograph, to avoid further damaging a urethral injury.It is used when there is suspicion of urethral trauma, such as a history of trauma to the area followed by pain, inability to void urine, or the presence of blood at the urethral meatus, a scrotal hematoma, free-floating prostate on rectal examination.
If a urethral injury is suspected, a retrograde urethrogram should be performed before attempting to place a Foley catheter. If there is a urethral disruption, a suprapubic catheter should be placed.
Leakage of the dye at any point between the bladder
Bladder
Bladder usually refers to an anatomical hollow organBladder may also refer to:-Biology:* Urinary bladder in humans** Urinary bladder ** Bladder control; see Urinary incontinence** Artificial urinary bladder, in humans...
and tip of the penis suggests urethral injury (usually secondary to pelvic trauma) and is an indication for surgical intervention.